A Jock for Matthew

Sanderson Brothers #4

by Declan Rhodes

Brainy nerd Matthew, the youngest of four brothers in the Sanderson clan, feels invisible in a family of local celebrities. Known only as "the tall, skinny one," Matthew signs on to help conduct a research project led by a tyrannical, but well-known, professor as a short track to fame and fortune in his field.

Soon, Matthew meets test-subject Shawn Trent, a handsome, muscular, blond college football offensive lineman. Shawn is an English literature major fond of quoting Walt Whitman to his teammates. He's all muscle laced with sensitive smarts, and he's in the closet--for now.

A Jock for Matthew is a 54,000-word first-time gay romance with strong family relationship, jock-nerd, and opposites attract themes. This is the fourth book in the Sanderson Brothers series.

All of the books can be read as standalone stories, but they are best read as a continuing series about the Sanderson family including all four brothers as characters in each novel.

Genres: Sports, M M Romance, Romance, College, LGBT

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2021

Reviews

[Ed Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 and 1/2 stars. Another winner from DeClan Rhodes. This is just the sweetest, well written, low angst love story. I think I’ve love every book that I’ve read by DeClan. He just has a great writing style and knows how to tell a good love story. I fell in love the Shawn and Matthew from the very beginning. I wish he would write a story about Moose. He was a great secondary character.

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physical Attraction leads to Romance that must be kept quiet, until…

The last of the Sanderson brothers discovers a love interest through his work studying effective training methods for athletes. Matthew, the youngest of the Sanderson brothers, finds the quietest athlete in his lab experiment attractive in this fourth installment of the five-book series.

It is shorter than most, yet packed with the elements we love most about this series. Declan Rhodes builds on our familiarity with the Sanderson clan and provides us with more details about this special family, which is truly bound by love and protection for each other and the woman who raised them after their parents died. Matthew still feels the effects of losing his parents, which plays a role in the romance that blossoms between the jock ‘lab rat’ and Matthew’s attraction.

Shawn Trent is not just a muscular, blond college football offensive lineman; he’s also an English literature major who traditionally quotes Walt Whitman to his teammates before a game. He seeks out Matthew to ask him about grad school, and Matthew takes him to show him around.

As their romance intensifies, the two ponder a future together until Shawn’s father’s dream is realized with an offer to play American football in Germany. Matthew imagines them setting up a house and living where both finish grad school, but the Germany offer disrupts that plan, causing the two to grow apart.

A life-changing event removes the German offer from consideration, prompting Shawn to reach out to Matthew.

Of course, it ends happily ever after with Shawn joining the Sandersons for the traditional Sunday dinner, indicating a future for them as a couple. While there’s one more book in the series, I hope Declan considers some reunion, perhaps centered around a wedding for the youngest or some of the other ‘adopted Sandersons.’

[Earlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The irresistible Sanderson brothers. This is last brother Matthew, the nerd and loveable person. He meets jock Shawn, who is quiet, friendly, a hunk and just perfect for him.
They met during Mathews experiment, he noticed him because he was so quiet. Their meeting however was accidental. Even then the chemistry was so easy, the friendship was natural. Nothing seemed forced in the way the relationship developed. It was normal campus life with busy schedules and up and downs.
Enjoyed reading and the writing flowed and encouraged you to keep reading.
ARC supplied for an honest review.

[Margaret Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It all changed in one moment, and, for a few years, life got much, much worse."

Declan Rhodes brings us another titillating love story, in the fourth book of the Sanderson Brothers series, with "A Jock for Matthew." Matthew and Shawn were instantly drawn to one another, but the rode to a HEA isn't always smooth. Misunderstanding and assumptions, nearly bring this love story to screeching halt. Family and friends, play a big part in this series, and also provide some great secondary characters, whose stories are begging to be told. With "A Jock for Matthew," you can expect some drama and angst. Misunderstandings, amusing circumstances, a wee bit of meddling, insecurity, character growth, sexual situations, romance, and love. A delightful romance. I received this book as an ARC from Declan Rhodes, and I volunteered this review.


Declan Rhodes brings us another titillating love story, in the fourth book of the Sanderson Brothers series, with "A Jock for Matthew." Matthew and Shawn were instantly drawn to one another, but the rode to a HEA isn't always smooth. Misunderstanding and assumptions, nearly bring this love story to screeching halt. Family and friends, play a big part in this series, and also provide some great secondary characters, whose stories are begging to be told. With "A Jock for Matthew," you can expect some drama and angst. Misunderstandings, amusing circumstances, a wee bit of meddling, insecurity, character growth, sexual situations, romance, and love. A delightful romance. I received this book as an ARC from Declan Rhodes, and I volunteered this review.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

A Jock for Matthew is the fourth book in the Sanderson Brothers series by Declan Rhodes. Each book is easily read as a standalone, but I adore this whole series that centers around the Sanderson brothers.

Matthew's the brainy/nerdy Sanderson brother. He definitely doesn't fit in with his "famous" brothers. When he's assigned to study some athletes for his studies, he never expects to connect with one.

Shawn may be a jock, but he's an English major who easily meshes with Matthew's nerd side. They spare with words and I adore how well they do so.

The two men are cute and sweet together. But Shawn is closeted. Yes, the closeted jock tale which I happen to love.

Their relationship is a slow burn one, as they two opposites fight their attraction for each other. Cue the forbidden factor, as Matthew isn't supposed to get involved with one of his subjects. Oh, so much fun!

Their story involves some hot moments, plenty of sneaking around, and a whole lot of insecurities. The conflict that arises is natural, although the resolution is definitely an easy way out. None the less, I really enjoy it all and love these men together.

The writing is great, with two likeable characters and a compelling storyline. In addition to the Sanderson family, there are lots of entertaining secondary characters. I basically love the whole crew.

A Jock For Matthew is a fun sports romance by Declan Rhodes. This jock/nerd story is a definite one to consider the next time you're in the mood for a college sports romance.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that Matthew and Shawn just clicked from the beginning. They didn't have any history together, but when they got together, it just worked for them. That didn't mean that there weren't disagreements or misunderstandings, but it wasn't some huge plot device to keep them apart.

I found it interesting that Matthew was the more immature partner when Shawn found out his big news. I suppose that I could understand hanging up on Shawn, but then to just ghost him while assuming that Shawn would end up breaking up anyway was such a tweenager thing to do. But, being the baby of the family, I can see that it's possible that (especially after their parents died) the Sandersons likely did everything possible to protect Matthew from disappointment. So this may have been one of the first times that he'd ever been held accountable for reacting in such a childish manner.

What I loved most is that Shawn never gave up on Matthew, and after the incident, Matthew was the first person that Shawn wanted to contact to help relieve his concerns.

This book was a great addition to the series, and I'm curious to see what's going on with Marco...

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔬Science nerd Sanderson brother finds "the One" in the gym!💕

With a satisfying, family and man's best friend close and the touch of adversity that provides drama to the romance, this pairing of the last of the four Sanderson brothers was a good read.

The romance is slow burn, with Matthew Sanderson accepting secrecy when footballer Shawn, the younger man he meets during his research, asks for a delay in going public with his orientation. I feel that somebody, probably their nurturing Aunt Carrie, must have taught these brothers that patience and understanding wins the day because Matthew never pressures Shawn to come out of the closet no matter how much their secret stifles their ability to meet.

Actually, Matthew's understanding, compliant attitude leads to the biggest conflict in the story. The way this is resolved seemed a bit of a copout (requiring little real sacrifice on either's part) and that was the only part I found somewhat disappointing.

No real villains and sometimes humorous, always supportive secondary characters, rounded out the reading experience.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Ending

If this is the end of the Sanderson Brothers series, author Declan Rhodes has given us a five star sendoff. With the quiet and usually absent youngest brother Matthew on the cover, and to the fore, this one leaves all the questions open when we are reintroduced to him as a six-foot-three sort of skinny dude who is actually a graduate biology geek student at the University of Wisconsin.

It gets a little nervous at the beginning because he is in charge of a secret program designed to test the physical limits of five football players from a neighboring college and must never speak to them. Thus, we are left to be introduced to them as basically Neanderthals (they turn out not to be), except for one, Shawn. His initial outside-the-rules encounter with Matthew sets us up for an exceptionally sweet and eventually all-consuming romance.

While it would have been nice to have both the shorter, bulkier and totally blond Shawn also on the cover, the story here is the Sanderson trope and Matthew presents it perfectly so that Shawn is slowly lured into it. When their crisis comes, it plays out exactly as it should, and we are treated once again to a wonderful family affair.

Thank you Mr. Rhodes for another fine series.

[Danial · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable story to read. (Can be read as a standalone despite being part of a series).

Matthew meets Shawn during an experiment. On the last day, the pair hang out and start dating. Matthew is out while Shawn is still in the closet (Shawn is a football player). They end up breaking up for a while when Shawn asked Matthew to postpone his studies and follow him to Germany for 2 years. They get back together the same week after Shawn suffered from a medical issue that ended his football career. The pair eventually move in together when Shawn joins grad school. I enjoyed the flow of the story as there weren't any dull moments in it. I read this story as a standalone. While there are books before this in the series, I found that you can easily read and enjoy this book without reading previous books. I appreciate how the author made sure that that was possible. I would, without hesitation recommend this book to others

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew is a bright man but he is also the youngest of a family of four men. His brothers are much more extroverted and he feels like he is overlooked. But Shawn, a football player that he meets when he is working as a research assistant and Shawn is a subject, see him. They were aware of each other in the room full of other men which made sense since both were quiet. Shawn, however, was not out and that was something they are going to have to navigate. I liked the slow burn of their relationship as it gave them each time to work through the respective issues and to grow up a bit. Matthew needed that time and Shawn needed time to shift from his world as is as an athlete to where he wants it to be, grad student and more authentic in terms of who he loves. I really liked the dog love and their desire to have a pet to co-nurture. Seemed to bode well for their future.
I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

and Shawn are absolutely adorable together, and both of them are just so lovable that you can't help but fall right into this romance. This one is kind of an opposites attract story but kind of not. Yes, one's a jock and one's a 'brainy nerd,' but beyond the obvious, these two do have some things in common, including some really good chemistry. Of course, the road isn't without some bumps, but the angst level is pretty low overall. The big thing this couple needs to get through would have bothered me in most cases, but Declan Rhodes puts a different spin on it, and the characters' actions fit the circumstances. Like the blurb says, the Sanderson Brothers books can be read as standalones, but there are so many wonderful characters in this series, and once you've met a few, you'll want to know them all. I don't know if there's anything else planned for this series, but I'd sure like to see a couple of Sanderson adjacent characters get their HEAs.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew was the nerd of the Sanderson family; very quiet, very studious, very smart; but never felt he could live up to the examples set by his three brothers. At present he's part of a research team at Moraine College in charge of testing the endurance of a specific group of football jocks. He remains as a casual observer recording test results and cleaning up the equipment after each day's testing. His only obstacle is Shawn, also the quiet one of the players. Attraction is felt but the coach emphasized "no fraternizing" so Matthew couldn't even speak during the testing. Still, he wonders about Shawn. Leave it to a hard door push meeting the nose of Shawn to break the ice but fortunately not Shawn's nose. And so goes the growing up of Matthew with the help of a mature Shawn. A good story in line with the series. I got an ARC via Prolific Works.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story melted my heart
This is a lovely story about two people who in theory shouldn't go together a jock and a nerd. Shawn and Matthew are just the sweetest people and when they’re together everything feels right. But the one big issue is is that Shawn is still in the closet and he is asking Matthew to keep him a secret Till after he finishes the football season. Can Matthew do that?? They are magical together but will that be enough for Shawn or will ambition get in the way??

These two have got a special place in my heart. I was hooked from the first chapter. This book is so well written That I feel that I know them so well. I really really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the next book from Declan Rhodes

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

When was the last time school was this much fun? Matthew was working on a research team, where college jocks were the subjects. He was in heaven but was able to remain professional. Shawn, a football player, kept his attention. Matthew stayed professional above the neck. The rest of his body had it's own agenda. He grew to like the jocks in their individuality. Shawn was in his senior year and had many decisions to make academically and athletically. Matthew is out, Shawn is not. Will Matthew step out of his professional restraint? Is Shawn interested? Where will Shawn go to Grad school? Nice story. Good flow. Nice surprising twists. Getting to know these guys is a smooth read. It's nice meeting the brothers again. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Nice cover art!

[E.Muddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve really enjoyed this series so far and Matthew and Shawn made for another great read. Matthew is the baby of the Sanderson family and the time has finally come for him to get his HEA. He and Shawn have a great connection right from when they meet; they’re sweet and cute and fun. I did get annoyed with Matthew though when he went full on acting like a child. I think I just found it hard to sympathise with him at times, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t find it believable. It’s especially hard considering the secretive nature of their relationship since Shawn is a closeted footballer. Overall, it’s a nice story with a similar tone as the others in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone and has a sweet romance with a touch of drama and angst.

[Justine Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Jock for Matthew is book 4 in the Sanderson Brothers series. This is a story about Matthew and Shawn. Matthew is a bio grad student conducting an experiment that Shawn and a few of his football teammates participated in. Though Shawn is still in the closet he can't help but want to spend time with Matthew. This really is a sweet story with stolen weekends and the potential of a future together. Sometimes you make plans for yourself and fate comes along and changes everything you thought you wanted. For the better. I Iiked Matthew and Shawn together and was glad they got their happy ending. I recommend this book and series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting for Matthew's story. He's been a bit elusive in the other books. Being the youngest is hard enough but all of his brothers shine in their own way and Matthew feels like he is always in their shadow. Shawn too lives in the shadow of his father's expectations. There is very little angst and it doesn't last long between these guys, which I appreciated. I liked that when Shawn is faced with a life-changing problem he's determined to reach Matthew. He was will to give up all of his secrets and face his father's disappointment just to have him by his side.
Highly recommended author and series

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is interesting, entertaining and romantic. When Matthew records the football players while on the treadmill for the research project he's on, he takes note of the quiet Shaun. Shaun finds Matthew attractive, but he is still in the closet, so he ignores it. Until he can't resist at least talking to Matthew. They talk about Shaun's future, Matthew invites him to where he lives and goes to school, and Shaun gets excited about it, but his father wants him to play football wherever he can. Moose and Marco provide comic relief, while a twist to the storyline will have your heart in your throat.

[Temberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew is the last of the Sanderson brothers and as usual it seems that the best was saved for the last! Matthew is the tall skinny brother that is also a nerd. Shawn is not your everyday football player it seems. While Shawn is busy with football and collage he some how works in a little romance with Matthew. Things heat up then slow down as Shawn can't let anyone know that he is gay for various reason. This is a great heart warming love story that will keep you turning the pages as fast as your eyes can scan it!

[Philip Cowsill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Jock for Matthew is Book 4 in the Sanderson Brothers series by Declan Rhodes.. Matthew Sanderson has volunteered as a research assistant to a treadmill fitness test of a group of football players. He notices that Shawn seems quiet and different to his teammates. Shawn hangs back after one of the sessions and chats. Thus starts a slow on-the-quiet relationship as Shawn is in the closet until end of football season.

There is some-level angst but generally a pleasant story with a group of good supporting characters and HEA is achieved.

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book Matthew is a biology major when he meets Shawn who is a jock ,now Matthew's family is always overshadowed him so when he starts to notice this jock he likes it alot because Shawn doesn't know about his family at all ,but things have a weird way of getting in the way when football and Shawn's father almost spit this pair up but there is HEA at the end of this book i read this book for this author for my honest opinion

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew and Shawn were quite cute together. I felt for Shawn as he was struggling with coming out but when he got hurt he knew that denying Matthew would be horrible. Matthew is gun shy about starting a relationship but they click so easily he can’t deny how he feels. I liked watching them start off nice and sweet but build a solid foundation.

I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review

[Akasha721 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series! The baby brother, Matthew gets his chance at true love with a football jock named Shawn. To bad they have to sneak around off campus to be together. A mishap brings everything to a head and the two find out what is important to them. Now all the brothers have their perfect mates but could there be one more that needs a happy ending?

[kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how Matthew and Shawn just connected right from the start! They are just so sweet and fun together. While they may seem as opposite as can be they are perfect for each other.
Standing in their way is that Shawn is not out.
I enjoyed watching these two travel down the road towards their HEA!

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Jock For Matthew is number 4 in the Sanderson Brothers Series. Matthew is the nerd in the family. When he decides to study some athletes for a class, he meets Shawn. A hot jock who is also an English Major. Sparks fly between the two. Matthew know he not supposed to get involved with his subjects and Shawn is still in the closet. Plenty of love and angst to go around. Love the series.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I will go as far as to say that there is a very good possibility that I will give this author another chance sometime in the future since this story worked better for me than the other three books in this series! It could have been that this series just wasn't the best pick for me to start with... *headdesk*

[Cynthia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew meets Shawn in a research program. Shawn is one of the football player in the program. When the program is over, Matthew finds out that Shawn isn't just a jock he also is a geek like him. Shawn's not out yet because his father wants a football career for him and he doesn't want to disappoint him. I really enjoyed this book and the series.

[Mr terence Michael Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read enjoy

What can l say about the Sanderson family, apart from they exceptional caring loving and protective of all around them.
Matthew is the youngest and has a wonderful relationship up and down in this book Shawn his partner is new to the gay scene, Matthew helps h to come terms with this .
This is great read and recommended

[Karlinius · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the best book I read, but I was happy I read it.
It is a very simple story, but it was well written and it has a certain positiveness to it that made it readable.
At the end it becomes a little to "sweet" and it was going to loose a star for me, but then it finished with the dog adoption and the star was reinstated.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed getting to know the Sanderson brothers, this book is no exception. I enjoyed following along on Matthew and Shawn’s journey to finding their happily ever after. Both are intriguing characters I delighted in getting to know. ThIs is a nice conclusion to this series.